Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting

More about the book

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting guides you in creating beautiful Japanese-inspired ink wash paintings while fostering a mindful approach to art. Originating from Buddhist monks who used black ink and brushes, sumi-e painting emphasizes mindfulness, allowing artists to focus on their surroundings and live in the moment, thus reducing stress. This book is part of Walter Foster's Mindful Artist series, which encourages a reflective creative process rather than focusing solely on the final product. It aims to help you overcome creative obstacles like perfectionism and self-doubt, enabling you to find personal meaning in your artwork. The book begins with an introduction that explores the relationship between mindfulness and sumi-e, highlighting how they enhance each other. It covers essential tools known as "The Four Treasures," brushstrokes, and common subjects called "The Four Gentlemen," providing a solid foundation before you dive into step-by-step painting projects. Alongside stunning full-page artwork, you'll find tips for maintaining mindfulness, creative prompts, and ideas for adding color to your black ink pieces. This inspiring guide invites you to practice mindfulness while mastering the art of ink wash painting.